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A&E Renews 'Bates Motel' for Second Season

A&E

"Bates Motel"

The cable network's latest scripted drama, an update on "Psycho," will return in 2014.

A&E has extended its stay at Bates Motel, renewing the series for a second season.

From Universal Television, the Psycho prequel ranks as A&E's most-watched scripted drama in network history among adults 18-to-49 and 25-to-54. The series premiere drew 4.5 million total viewers and 2.5 million in both 18-to-49 and 25-to-54 when factoring in Live+7 figures. The series held up well in its second airing, jumping 6 percent among the 25-to-54 set against increased competition in its 10 p.m. Monday slot.

“Bates Motel has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first few weeks,” A&E president and GM Bob DeBitetto said in announcing the pickup Monday. "With superb writing and exceptional acting, led by the critically acclaimed performances of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, we’re incredibly excited to see where Carlton and Kerry take Norma and Norman Bates next.”

The series marks A&E's latest push into original scripted programming and joins a roster that also includes Longmire, which last year was renewed for a second season. A&E also has the pilots Occult, with Josh Lucas, and Those Who Kill, starring Chloe Sevigny, in the works.